He is the King of Kale and his name is Gideon Oji. The greatest kale-eater in the history of the world consumed 22.5 16oz kale salads in eight minutes at the 2017 installment of Kale Yeah!—The World’s Healthiest Eating Championship Presented By Healthy Options. In doing so, he defended his kale crown—Oji won the inaugural event in 2016, setting a World Record of 25.5 servings—and stared down an elite field of top MLE talent. Oji downed not only a fiercesome amount of kale but also names such as Chestnut, Cincotti and Esper in the process.

Oji is emerging as a new type of eater and one we have not seen in the entire history of our sport: A leafy greens specialist. He is undefeated at the event against more highly ranked opposition. What is it about Oji that makes him so dominant in kale? And how can his clear edge in this discipline translate to others? Who can say? What we do know, and this is a total cop out but it’s true: The guy’s got it. We just don’t know what it is.

Maybe one day we will. For now, we will call it magic. Others ate less. Full results below.

This contest took place at 4p.m. Eastern, on Sunday, August 13, 2017, on the Tops Avenue of Flags Stage at the Erie County Fair, 5600 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg NY 14075!

All About Healthy Optionsl
The Independent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options Program works with over 170 area restaurants and food trucks to offer heart-healthy food options across Western New York. The Healthy Options program partners with local organizations, such as the Erie County Fair, to make eating healthy both easy and delicious. You can find a full list of participating restaurants, cooking classes, dining tips, recipes and more at www.HealthyOptionsBuffalo.com

For instant results to all Major League Eating Contests, follow @eatingcontest.

*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant's eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure.